LEICESTER stage their opening home National Development Trophy meeting on Sunday when the Fox Cubs host Birmingham at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park (3pm).
So far the club’s NDT team have raced two away matches, losing 51-38 at Perry Barr before a narrow six-point defeat at Kent.
Two members of the regular side are currently sidelined with Mason Watson breaking his wrist in the opener, whilst Stene Pijper suffered shoulder ligament damage in the British Under-21 qualifier at Plymouth on Tuesday.
Cooper Rushen, who races for the Lion Cubs in the NDL, steps in again to guest at No.2, giving the Fox Cubs an exciting opening combination of two 15-year-olds with captain Will Cairns at No.1.
Meanwhile the rider replacement facility will be in operation for Pijper with Sonny Springer, Rushen and the reserves eligible for an extra outing.
Birmingham track a far more experienced team, although they have recently suffered home and away defeats against King’s Lynn.
Former Leicester NDL title winners Tom Spencer, Connor Coles and Arran Butcher are all in the line-up for the visitors, along with Eli Meadows who is a current Lion Cubs rider.
Manager Jen Crossland said: “Everyone is excited about the first home meeting although we know it’s going to be a tough one.
“But there will be some really talented youngsters out there, which is what this is all about, and Cooper jumped at the opportunity for the guest booking when we asked him.”
Admission prices are £15 adults, £13 concessions, £1 for children (6-17) and children under-5 go free. Lions season ticket holders can gain entry for just £6. Gates open at 1.30pm.
LEICESTER: Will Cairns, Cooper Rushen, Ace Pijper, Stene Pijper R/R, Sonny Springer, Max Broadhurst, Caydin Martin.
BIRMINGHAM: Connor Coles, Arran Butcher, Sam McGurk, Darryl Ritchings, Tom Spencer, Senna Summers, Eli Meadows.
